Anticipation about the first day of school at Paradise Intermediate School was heightened by the new traffic signal at Pearson Road and Recreation Drive. And while road construction on Pearson Road caused a summer-long traffic headache, the effort seems to have paid off.

"It's better than it was historically when every car had to stop," said Town of Paradise Associate Engineer Marc Mattox. Mattox, Town Manager Lauren Gill and Town Councilman stood across the street from the school and watched the traffic flow through.

Gill said they were on hand to make sure there were no problems.

"We want to make sure everyone got to school safely," she said. "That's our goal."

Also on hand were Paradise Unified School District Superintendents Roger Bylund, Susan Davis and David McCready. They watched as bus drivers and other motorists navigated the turn lane onto Recreation Drive, where Paradise Intermediate School sits, with ease.

Crossing guard Jan Gee was also present for a little extra safety.

Since drivers are allowed to turn right on a red light, Gee was there to watch for children and guide drivers onto and off of Recreation Drive's right turns, McCready said.

Gill noted that, with the exception of a half-hour in the morning and a half-hour in the afternoon, the light will likely stay green, allowing for an even flow of traffic.

Inside Paradise Intermediate School, staff and students were busy getting settled back into school life.

"Students are excited," said Assistant Principal Kay Paden. "They're running up to each other and hugging; there's lots of energy bubbling around the school right now."

She said teachers have been training over the summer and have been working on strategies that will get students excited about school.

Staff understands the nervousness and excitement about beginning a new school year, she said, and teachers work hard at making students feel welcome and understood.

The school offers many activities, clubs and events that can help motivate students and give them a sense of safety and acceptance, she said.

Leadership and unity groups give students a chance to get involved and make a difference while campus clean-up days keep the school clean and give students a sense of pride in their school.

Paden said middle school students put a lot of importance on where they fit in socially.

"Developmentally, that is their primary focus," she said. "Our job is to help them seek out in a healthy way connections with kids that will lift them up."

She said parents are especially thankful for the updated dress code, which deals with everything from offensive content to sagging pants and short skirts.